The Kirin, known as Qilin in Chinese, is a mystical creature in Chinese mythology, representing a mix of various animals. It symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and serenity, and is revered as one of the four sacred animals in Chinese culture, along with the dragon, phoenix, and tortoise.
Qilin vs Kirin
Both Kirin and Qilin are correct. Kirin is the Japanese word, while Qilin is the Chinese word. Japanese culture is deeply influenced by Chinese culture, but in modern society, some Japanese language usages have a wider spread.
The Kirin’s Origins
Mao Du is the ancestor of Yinglong, Yinglong is the ancestor of Jian Ma, Jian Ma is the ancestor of Ririn, and Ririn is the ancestor of all furred beasts.
《淮南子·墬形训》
毛犊生应龙，应龙生建马，建马生麒麟，麒麟生庶兽，凡毛者，生于庶兽。
The Kirin’s Image
The Kirin is often described as having a body resembling a deer, an ox’s tail, horse-like hooves, and a dragon-like head. It is covered in scales and sometimes depicted with flames surrounding its limbs.
《诗经・周南・麟之趾》
麟之趾，振振公子，于嗟麟兮。 麟之定，振振公姓，于嗟麟兮。 麟之角，振振公族，于嗟麟兮。
《说苑》
麒麟，麕身牛尾，圜头一角，含信怀义，音中律吕，步中规矩，择土而践，彬彬然动则有容仪
The Kirin and Confucius
Confucius is closely associated with the Kirin. It is said that before Confucius was born and before he died, a Kirin appeared. According to legend, before Confucius’s birth, a Kirin came into his family’s courtyard and “spat out a jade book,” which read, “The child of the water essence will tie together the declining Zhou and become a virtuous king.” In the “Spring and Autumn Annals,” during the fourteenth year of Duke Ai’s reign in the spring, Confucius mentioned “capturing a Kirin during a western hunt.” He wept at this and said, “My way has reached its end.” Confucius once wrote a song: “In the days of Tang and Yu, the Kirin and Phoenix roamed, but why seek them now in an unrighteous time? Oh Kirin, oh Kirin, my heart is troubled.” In later times, there was a Guqin piece called “Capturing the Kirin,” believed to be composed by Confucius in mourning of this event. Shortly after, Confucius passed away, and thus the Kirin is also seen as a symbol of Confucianism.
The Kirin and Feng Shui
In Chinese Feng Shui, the Kirin is considered as versatile as a panacea, being used for attracting wealth, stabilizing homes, neutralizing negative influences, promoting fertility, aiding in childbirth, and enhancing academics, among other aspects. Additionally, placing artistic representations of the Kirin indoors is believed to boost career success, counteract malevolent forces, deal with troublesome individuals, and shield the owner from bad luck. Kirin ornaments are often given to children to wear as a blessing and for protection. People like to wear Kirin amulets, made of materials such as gold, silver, copper, or jade, for protection, with a particular emphasis on “Kirin locks” for infants, worn as a prayer for their long and healthy life
Discover the potent allure of Qilin statues, revered as benevolent and influential symbols in the realm of Feng Shui. Embracing these majestic creatures is believed to usher in a cascade of fortune, wealth, luck, children, and success.
Mastering the art of placement is crucial for maximizing the positive energies that Qilin statues exude:
- Pairs Bring Harmony: Enhance the harmonizing power by placing Qilin statues in pairs, fostering a sense of balance and unity.
- Facing Prosperity: Position the statues facing the entrance to invite prosperity and auspicious energies into your space.
- Gateway Guardians: Elevate your luck and protection by adorning the front gate with a Qilin statue, creating a formidable barrier against negative forces.
- Success at the Desk: Boost your professional journey by placing Qilin on your study desk, encouraging success and career advancements.
- Nurturing Bedrooms: Infuse your bedroom with positive vibes for the health and intelligence of your children by placing a Qilin statue in this sacred space.
- Tailored Placement: Tailor the exact positions based on your birth dates and hours, ensuring personalized alignment with the cosmic energies.
- Guardians of the Virtuous: Qilin statues are known to protect those with virtuous hearts. However, individuals engaged in illicit activities or evildoers are cautioned against inviting these creatures into their spaces, as Qilin only shield those of pure intent.
Unlock the secrets of Feng Shui with Qilin statues, and let the mystical energies guide you towards a path of prosperity, success, and well-being.
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